DIY Trends for Renters: What’s Old is New

8/17/2016

Whether you buy or rent a home is among of the biggest financial decisions most of us make. But when it comes to buying or renting, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Renting doesn’t require the financial commitment that homeownership does, so it’s easier to change residences without worrying about property values. But on the other hand, there can be downsides to renting a home or apartment. Apartment decorating can be difficult because many rentals don’t allow you to paint the walls or make other major interior design changes, which can be a bummer when your unit is outdated or stark white.

So what do you do when you’re tight on cash and limited in your flexibility, but still want to add a little pizazz to your life? Check out these fun and cheap DIY apartment décor ideas to make your place feel more like home!

Wall Décor Ideas

Most rental properties would strongly suggest against adding wallpaper to your apartment or rental home. It can be difficult to install, and once it’s time to move, removing with chemicals and tools can be daunting and stressful. But did you know there’s simpler solution to installing and removing it? Fall for DIY recommends using cornstarch and boiling water to make an easy-to-remove adhesive. Now you can wallpaper to your heart’s content.

Removable Tiles

Renters who live in apartments or homes with outdated kitchen or bathrooms can get tired of looking at the same white backdrops every day and long for DIY decorating ideas. If you wish your kitchen had a trendy backsplash, consider buying some adhesive tile sheets from a home improvement store. These sticky foam pads will hold up tiles in kitchen and bathrooms and can be removed when it’s time to move.

Tile Decorations

If you’re lucky enough to have a tiled backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom, but you’re tired of the same old white or cream color, adhesive decals can brighten up any room! These heavy-duty stickers are meant to be stuck and re-stuck again and again, and they won’t damage tiles or paint. Add a little decoration to your humdrum tiles and make your space feel like home.

Wall Decals

The same product you use on your tiles can also be used on your walls! Many stores carry larger versions of tile decals that you can stick and restick to any wall in your home. These are especially great for kids’ rooms and bathrooms and come in many different designs, and you may even be able to find some of your kids’ favorite characters.

Adhesive Hooks

Hanging pictures, mirrors, or art can really help make your space feel like home. Consider skipping the nails and screw that can damage your walls and look for adhesive wall hooks. These hooks are sturdy and come in a variety of designs for your apartment decorating needs. They are also easily removable and won’t damage your walls.

Easy Removable Fabric Wall

Military families know what it’s like to move around to different homes. And they, too, can find it difficult to get decorations that can be removed without much work. HGTV discovered a fun and easy “army wife” trick to create an accent wall with fabric. Similar to the removable wallpaper, this technique uses liquid starch, a paint roller, and patience.

DIY Padded Ottoman

Old coffee tables with removable glass tops can be transformed into trendy ottomans for a living room. With just a little painted wood, like above, and these instructions to make the padded top, you can have the perfect ottoman that matches your decor.

Easy Lamp Makeovers

Second-hand lamps can be given a new life with a little spray paint and some TLC. If you are looking for more light in your rental, but those expensive lamps are out of your budget, thrift store lamps are the way to go! All you need is a lamp with working wiring and a little creativity.

Thrift Store Trunk Coffee Table

Old trunks can have a two-in-one benefit of a trendy coffee table and storage, which is perfect for decorating small spaces. With just a little love and spray paint, you can have a one-of-a-kind trunk coffee table for less than a new coffee table.

Dining Room Chair Fix-Up

Similar to the old furniture and the lamp, old dining room chairs can be given a new life with the paint color of your choice. This idea is great for an eclectic kitchen, or if you have a table you love that doesn’t have matching chairs.

Patio Ideas

For renters who cannot have a garden of their own, consider adding a small herb garden on your patio. They require minimum space, and you’ll get the satisfaction of successfully growing your own plants such as vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

Maintaining a wood deck as you well know takes a lot of maintenance. Sure, it looks nice when you can power wash it and restain it each year, but that gets labor intensive annually. You can use carpeting to cover that deck that looks weather. Today’s carpets come in many choices in styles, colors and patterns. Depending on environmental factors, the carpeting may last anywhere from 2 to 5 years without having to replace it.

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t love your home or apartment decor! These tips are sure to give your home or apartment a new lease on life. Connect with a Farm Bureau agent to find the right coverage for your apartment or rental home.

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